Filling carousel
A filling carousel is intended for filling large quantities of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. It consists of a frame with running wheels, rails, a central column for LPG and air, and a driving unit the carousel frame around the central column. The speed of the carousel can be adapted to the various filling times and capacities. The dimension of the carousel is important to consider for the future filling capacity. The carousel frame chosen can be equipped with a number of filling scales, selected for the present demand and possible future demands. Filling carousels can be provided with equipment for automatic introduction and automatic filling scales with ejection of cylinders.
Dimensions
Frame sizes and approximate filling times for 12 kg cylinders with two-man operation:
| Carousel type | Net weight of cylinder |
Capacity Cylinders per hour |
|---|---|---|
| 12 scales, dia 4350mm | 12 kg | 720 |
| 24 scales, dia 5500mm | 12 kg | 1200 |
Associated equipment
| Device | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatic inlet device | Controls the transfer of LPG cylinders from the inlet portion of the conveyor system into the carousel. It is an integral part of an automated cylinder filling operation. |
| Chain conveyor | The main purpose of the double chain conveyor is to carry the LPG cylinders to and from the filling carousel. It has a sturdy steel construction and is one of the most important components of an automated LPG filling operation. Good conveyor layout saves time, space and labor. |
| Carousel drive unit | Consists of an explosion-proof electric motor, a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor to drive the rubber wheel that turns the carousel. |
| Conveyor drive unit | Consists of an explosion-proof electric motor, a gear reducer and a chain-sprocket drive mechanism. |
| Ejection unit | Designed to take the filled cylinder from the carousel. The ejection unit typically receives a signal from the corresponding filling head (filling head is up) indicating that the cylinder is filled and may be taken off the carousel. If the filling is not completed, "filling head down" tells the evacuation unit not to activate and the cylinder completes one more cycle on the carousel while being filled. On modern carousels these commands are electronic, but can also be mechanical by means of a dowel which operates a switch. |
| Pressure control valve | A very important instrument in cylinder filling. It allows LPG in pipeline to be at a predetermined pressure. When the pressure exceeds this value the valve opens and sends the flow to return line. |